NORFOLK'S mental health trust will get a discount on its insurance premiums after doing well in an inspection of its safety procedures.All health trusts in the country pay premiums to the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA), which then pays out if a successful compensation claim is made by a patient who has received poor treatment.

NORFOLK'S mental health trust will get a discount on its insurance premiums after doing well in an inspection of its safety procedures.

All health trusts in the country pay premiums to the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA), which then pays out if a successful compensation claim is made by a patient who has received poor treatment.

A new set of risk assessment standards has been brought in by the NHSLA. There are three levels, which give a discount of 10pc to 30pc. Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Trust is one of four mental health trusts in the country to choose to be assessed at level two, which gives it a 20pc discount. Only one has passed at level three, while most of the 59 mental health trusts choose to be assessed at level one, which is less rigorous.

Norfolk's trust passed at level two after a 2�-day assessment visit.

Chief executive Pat Holman said: “The assessment looked at everything from clinical care, staff training and recruitment to medical systems, infection control, and clinical record-keeping.

“Achievement of these standards provides assurance that the trust has the necessary policies, practice and staff in place to provide the best possible care.”